Ah, the midnight snack. Some stand by it adamantly, while others argue it’s best to refrain from eating for the night once you’ve finished dinner. We’re of the belief that the decision of whether to snack after hours is highly personal, and as with most nutritional advice, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If, however, you are someone who gets hungry late at night or just enjoys the ritual of a little treat before bedtime, there are a few things you should know regarding what types of snacks are recommended and why.
Go for Protein
One of the main reasons we snack late at night is because we’re still hungry, so it makes sense to choose something that can keep us full until morning but isn’t so heavy that it disrupts our sleep. Some high-protein options we love include hummus and crackers or Greek yogurt with fruit.
Try Tryptophan
We’ve all heard that tryptophan, an amino acid found in Turkey meat, can cause us to feel sleepy, but did you know that lots of other foods are good sources of tryptophan as well? One of our favorites is peanut butter. Spread some on rice cakes or slap together a PB&J and you’ll be off to dreamland before you know it.
Add Some Fiber
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can’t digest, and as a result, it can help us feel fuller for longer. When we’re in the mood to munch but still want to keep things relatively light, popcorn is one of our go-to snacks. Just go easy on the butter before bedtime.